Alert archive / Minnesota / Red Flag Warnings in 2025

Red Flag Warning 2, NWS Twin Cities, MN

May 10, 202539 counties in Minnesota; 4 counties in Wisconsin

NWS Twin Cities, MN issued this red flag warning at May 10, 2025, 2:24 PM CDT for 39 counties in Minnesota; 4 counties in Wisconsin. It took effect at May 11, 2025, 11:00 AM CDT. It was in force for 11 hr. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
May 10, 2025, 2:24 PM CDT (19:24 UTC)
In effect from
May 11, 2025, 11:00 AM CDT
Expired
May 11, 2025, 10:00 PM CDT
In force
11 hr
Issued by
NWS Twin Cities, MN
All 43 counties

Anoka County, MN, Benton County, MN, Blue Earth County, MN, Brown County, MN, Carver County, MN, Chippewa County, MN, Chisago County, MN, Dakota County, MN, Douglas County, MN, Faribault County, MN, Hennepin County, MN, Isanti County, MN, Kanabec County, MN, Kandiyohi County, MN, Lac qui Parle County, MN, Le Sueur County, MN, Martin County, MN, McLeod County, MN, Meeker County, MN, Mille Lacs County, MN, Morrison County, MN, Nicollet County, MN, Pope County, MN, Ramsey County, MN, Redwood County, MN, Renville County, MN, Rice County, MN, Scott County, MN, Sherburne County, MN, Sibley County, MN, Stearns County, MN, Stevens County, MN, Swift County, MN, Todd County, MN, Waseca County, MN, Washington County, MN, Watonwan County, MN, Wright County, MN, Yellow Medicine County, MN, Barron County, WI, Polk County, WI, Rusk County, WI, Saint Croix County, WI

The radar

The Minneapolis radar (KMPX), 43 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 19:29 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

The nearest sounding before it

Minneapolis, MN (KMPX), launched 12:00Z, 7.4 hours before the alert went out and 41 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Minneapolis, MN at 12:00Z on 2025-05-10Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 0 joules per kilogram.LCL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Minneapolis, MN at 12:00Z on 2025-05-10The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity -85 square meters per square second.193958Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
0 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
No buoyant parcel
Mixed-layer LCL
1779 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
37 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
-85 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
6 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

927 
WWUS83 KMPX 101924
RFWMPX

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
224 PM CDT Sat May 10 2025

...CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS SUNDAY AND POSSIBLE MONDAY...

.Record high temperatures in the upper 80s to lower 90s and very
low humidity values of 15 to 25 percent, combined with southerly
winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph, will lead to a
critical fire weather risk on Sunday. Fires could quickly spread
out of control due to these conditions. Continued hot, dry, and
windy conditions Monday and Tuesday could result in repeated days
of critical fire weather conditions.

MNZ041>044-047>051-054>059-064>068-073>075-082-083-091-110330-
/O.UPG.KMPX.FW.A.0002.250511T1600Z-250512T0300Z/
/O.NEW.KMPX.FW.W.0002.250511T1600Z-250512T0300Z/
/O.NEW.KMPX.FW.A.0004.250512T1700Z-250513T0200Z/
Douglas-Todd-Morrison-Mille Lacs-Stevens-Pope-Stearns-Benton-
Sherburne-Lac Qui Parle-Swift-Chippewa-Kandiyohi-Meeker-Wright-
Yellow Medicine-Renville-McLeod-Sibley-Carver-Redwood-Brown-
Nicollet-Watonwan-Blue Earth-Martin-
224 PM CDT Sat May 10 2025

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 10 PM CDT SUNDAY FOR
GUSTY WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY... 
...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM MONDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH 
MONDAY EVENING FOR GUSTY WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY...

The National Weather Service in Twin Cities/Chanhassen has issued
a Red Flag Warning, which is in effect from 11 AM to 10 PM CDT
Sunday. a Fire Weather Watch has also been issued. This Fire
Weather Watch is in effect from Monday afternoon through Monday
evening. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect. 

* WIND...South to southwest winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts up 
  to 35 mph. 

* HUMIDITY...As low as 15 percent.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly.
  Outdoor burning is not recommended.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions
are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible
Red Flag Warnings.

&&

$$

MNZ045-052-053-060>062-069-076-092-110330-
/O.UPG.KMPX.FW.A.0002.250511T1600Z-250512T0300Z/
/O.NEW.KMPX.FW.W.0002.250511T1600Z-250512T0300Z/
Kanabec-Isanti-Chisago-Hennepin-Anoka-Ramsey-Scott-Le Sueur-
Faribault-
224 PM CDT Sat May 10 2025

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 10 PM CDT SUNDAY FOR
GUSTY WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY...

The National Weather Service in Twin Cities/Chanhassen has issued
a Red Flag Warning, which is in effect from 11 AM to 10 PM CDT
Sunday. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect. 

* WIND...South to southwest winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts up 
  to 35 mph. 

* HUMIDITY...As low as 15 percent.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly.
  Outdoor burning is not recommended.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

&&

$$

MNZ063-070-077-084-110330-
/O.NEW.KMPX.FW.W.0002.250511T1600Z-250512T0300Z/
Washington-Dakota-Rice-Waseca-
224 PM CDT Sat May 10 2025

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 10 PM CDT SUNDAY FOR
GUSTY WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY...

The National Weather Service in Twin Cities/Chanhassen has issued
a Red Flag Warning, which is in effect from 11 AM to 10 PM CDT
Sunday. 

* WIND...South to southwest winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to
  30 mph. 

* HUMIDITY...As low as 15 percent.

* IMPACTS...any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. 
  Outdoor burning is not recommended.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

&&

$$

WIZ014>016-023-110330-
/O.NEW.KMPX.FW.A.0003.250511T1800Z-250512T0300Z/
Polk-Barron-Rusk-St. Croix-
224 PM CDT Sat May 10 2025

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH
SUNDAY EVENING FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY...

The National Weather Service in Twin Cities/Chanhassen has issued
a Fire Weather Watch, which is in effect from Sunday afternoon
through Sunday evening. 

* WIND...South to southwest winds of 10 to 15 mph with gusts up 
  to 30 mph. 

* HUMIDITY...As low as 20 percent.

* IMPACTS...any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. 
  Outdoor burning is not recommended.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions
are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible
Red Flag Warnings.

&&

$$
4 follow-up statements
199 
WWUS83 KMPX 110738
RFWMPX

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
238 AM CDT Sun May 11 2025

...CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS EXPECTED TODAY...
...CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS POSSIBLE MONDAY AND 
TUESDAY...

.Record high temperatures in the upper 80s to lower 90s and very
low humidity values of 15 to 25 percent, combined with southerly
winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph, will lead to a
critical fire weather risk today. Fires could quickly spread out 
of control due to these conditions. Continued hot, dry, and windy 
conditions Monday and Tuesday could result in repeated days of 
critical fire weather conditions.

WIZ014>016-023-120000-
/O.UPG.KMPX.FW.A.0003.250511T1800Z-250512T0300Z/
/O.EXA.KMPX.FW.W.0002.250511T1600Z-250512T0300Z/
Polk-Barron-Rusk-St. Croix-
238 AM CDT Sun May 11 2025

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO 10 PM
CDT THIS EVENING FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR
PORTIONS OF WESTERN WISCONSIN...

The National Weather Service in Twin Cities/Chanhassen has issued
a Red Flag Warning, which is in effect from 11 AM this morning to
10 PM CDT this evening. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in
effect. 

* WIND...South to southwest winds of around 15 mph with gusts up 
  to 30 mph. 

* HUMIDITY...As low as 20 percent.

* IMPACTS...any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly.
  Outdoor burning is not recommended.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

&&

$$

MNZ041>044-047>051-054>059-064>068-073>075-082-083-091-120000-
/O.CON.KMPX.FW.W.0002.250511T1600Z-250512T0300Z/
/O.CON.KMPX.FW.A.0004.250512T1700Z-250513T0200Z/
Douglas-Todd-Morrison-Mille Lacs-Stevens-Pope-Stearns-Benton-
Sherburne-Lac Qui Parle-Swift-Chippewa-Kandiyohi-Meeker-Wright-
Yellow Medicine-Renville-McLeod-Sibley-Carver-Redwood-Brown-
Nicollet-Watonwan-Blue Earth-Martin-
238 AM CDT Sun May 11 2025

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO
10 PM CDT THIS EVENING FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY
FOR MUCH OF CENTRAL THROUGH SOUTHERN MINNESOTA... 
...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MONDAY AFTERNOON 
THROUGH MONDAY EVENING FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY 
FOR WESTERN, CENTRAL AND SOUTHWESTERN MINNESOTA...

* WIND...South to southwest winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts up 
  to 35 mph. 

* HUMIDITY...As low as 15 percent.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. 
  Outdoor burning is not recommended.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions
are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible
Red Flag Warnings.

&&

$$

MNZ045-052-053-060>063-069-070-076-077-084-092-120000-
/O.CON.KMPX.FW.W.0002.250511T1600Z-250512T0300Z/
Kanabec-Isanti-Chisago-Hennepin-Anoka-Ramsey-Washington-Scott-
Dakota-Le Sueur-Rice-Waseca-Faribault-
238 AM CDT Sun May 11 2025

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO
10 PM CDT THIS EVENING FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY  
FOR PORTIONS OF EASTERN MINNESOTA...

* WIND...South to southwest winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts up 
  to 35 mph. 

* HUMIDITY...As low as 15 percent.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. 
  Outdoor burning is not recommended.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

&&

$$
013 
WWUS83 KMPX 111604
RFWMPX

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
1104 AM CDT Sun May 11 2025

...CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS EXPECTED TODAY... 
...CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS POSSIBLE MONDAY AND 
TUESDAY...

.Record high temperatures in the upper 80s to lower 90s and very
low humidity values of 15 to 25 percent, combined with southerly
winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph, will lead to a
critical fire weather risk today. Fires could quickly spread out
of control due to these conditions. Continued hot, dry, and windy
conditions Monday and Tuesday could result in repeated days of
critical fire weather conditions.

MNZ041>044-047>051-054>059-064>068-073>075-082-083-091-120015-
/O.CON.KMPX.FW.W.0002.000000T0000Z-250512T0300Z/
/O.CON.KMPX.FW.A.0004.250512T1700Z-250513T0200Z/
Douglas-Todd-Morrison-Mille Lacs-Stevens-Pope-Stearns-Benton-
Sherburne-Lac Qui Parle-Swift-Chippewa-Kandiyohi-Meeker-Wright-
Yellow Medicine-Renville-McLeod-Sibley-Carver-Redwood-Brown-
Nicollet-Watonwan-Blue Earth-Martin-
1104 AM CDT Sun May 11 2025

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM CDT THIS
EVENING FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR MUCH OF
CENTRAL THROUGH SOUTHERN MINNESOTA...
...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MONDAY AFTERNOON 
THROUGH MONDAY EVENING FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY 
FOR WESTERN, CENTRAL AND SOUTHWESTERN MINNESOTA...

* WIND...South to southwest winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts up 
  to 35 mph. 

* HUMIDITY...As low as 15 percent.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. 
  Outdoor burning is not recommended.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions
are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible
Red Flag Warnings.

&&

$$

MNZ045-052-060-061-069-076-092-120015-
/O.EXA.KMPX.FW.A.0004.250512T1700Z-250513T0200Z/
/O.CON.KMPX.FW.W.0002.000000T0000Z-250512T0300Z/
Kanabec-Isanti-Hennepin-Anoka-Scott-Le Sueur-Faribault-
1104 AM CDT Sun May 11 2025

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM CDT THIS
EVENING FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR PORTIONS OF
EASTERN MINNESOTA...
...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM MONDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH
MONDAY EVENING FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR MUCH
OF CENTRAL THROUGH SOUTHERN MINNESOTA...

The National Weather Service in Twin Cities/Chanhassen has issued
a Fire Weather Watch, which is in effect from Monday afternoon
through Monday evening. The Red Flag Warning for today remains in
effect.

* WIND...South to southwest winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts up 
  to 35 mph. 

* HUMIDITY...As low as 15 percent.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. 
  Outdoor burning is not recommended.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions
are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible
Red Flag Warnings.

&&

$$

MNZ053-062-063-070-077-084-WIZ014>016-023-120015-
/O.CON.KMPX.FW.W.0002.000000T0000Z-250512T0300Z/
Chisago-Ramsey-Washington-Dakota-Rice-Waseca-Polk-Barron-Rusk-
St. Croix-
1104 AM CDT Sun May 11 2025

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM CDT THIS
EVENING FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR PORTIONS OF
EASTERN MINNESOTA...

* WIND...South to southwest winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts up 
  to 35 mph. 

* HUMIDITY...As low as 15 percent.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. 
  Outdoor burning is not recommended.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

&&

$$
027 
WWUS83 KMPX 111934
RFWMPX

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
234 PM CDT Sun May 11 2025

...CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS EXPECTED TODAY... 
...CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS POSSIBLE MONDAY AND 
TUESDAY...

.Record high temperatures in the upper 80s to mid 90s and very 
low humidity values of 10 to 25 percent, combined with southerly 
winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph, has lead to a 
critical fire weather risk today. Fires could quickly spread out 
of control due to these conditions. Continued hot, dry, and windy 
conditions Monday and Tuesday could result in repeated days of 
critical fire weather conditions.

MNZ041>045-047>052-054>061-064>069-073>076-082-083-091-092-120345-
/O.CON.KMPX.FW.W.0002.000000T0000Z-250512T0300Z/
/O.CON.KMPX.FW.A.0004.250512T1700Z-250513T0200Z/
Douglas-Todd-Morrison-Mille Lacs-Kanabec-Stevens-Pope-Stearns-
Benton-Sherburne-Isanti-Lac Qui Parle-Swift-Chippewa-Kandiyohi-
Meeker-Wright-Hennepin-Anoka-Yellow Medicine-Renville-McLeod-
Sibley-Carver-Scott-Redwood-Brown-Nicollet-Le Sueur-Watonwan-
Blue Earth-Martin-Faribault-
234 PM CDT Sun May 11 2025

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM CDT THIS
EVENING FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR MUCH OF
CENTRAL THROUGH SOUTHERN MINNESOTA......FIRE WEATHER WATCH
REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MONDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH MONDAY EVENING
FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR WESTERN, CENTRAL
AND SOUTHWESTERN MINNESOTA...

* WIND...South to southwest winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts up 
  to 35 mph. 

* HUMIDITY...As low as 15 percent.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. 
  Outdoor burning is not recommended.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions
are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible
Red Flag Warnings.

&&

$$

MNZ053-062-063-WIZ014-015-023-120345-
/O.EXA.KMPX.FW.A.0004.250512T1700Z-250513T0200Z/
/O.CON.KMPX.FW.W.0002.000000T0000Z-250512T0300Z/
Chisago-Ramsey-Washington-Polk-Barron-St. Croix-
234 PM CDT Sun May 11 2025

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM CDT THIS
EVENING FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR PORTIONS OF
EASTERN MINNESOTA...
...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM MONDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH
MONDAY EVENING FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR
PORTIONS OF EASTERN MINNESOTA...

The National Weather Service in Twin Cities/Chanhassen has issued
a Fire Weather Watch, which is in effect from Monday afternoon
through Monday evening. 

* WIND...South to southwest winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts up 
  to 35 mph. 

* HUMIDITY...As low as 15 percent.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. 
  Outdoor burning is not recommended.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions
are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible
Red Flag Warnings.

&&

$$

MNZ070-077-084-WIZ016-120300-
/O.CON.KMPX.FW.W.0002.000000T0000Z-250512T0300Z/
Dakota-Rice-Waseca-Rusk-
234 PM CDT Sun May 11 2025

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM CDT THIS
EVENING FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR PORTIONS OF
EASTERN MINNESOTA...

* WIND...South to southwest winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts up 
  to 35 mph. 

* HUMIDITY...As low as 15 percent.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. 
  Outdoor burning is not recommended.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

&&

$$

WIZ024-120345-
/O.EXA.KMPX.FW.A.0004.250512T1700Z-250513T0200Z/
Pierce-
234 PM CDT Sun May 11 2025

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM MONDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH
MONDAY EVENING FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR
PORTIONS OF EASTERN MINNESOTA...

The National Weather Service in Twin Cities/Chanhassen has issued
a Fire Weather Watch, which is in effect from Monday afternoon
through Monday evening. 

* WIND...South to southwest winds of 10 to 15 mph with gusts up 
  to 25 mph. 

* HUMIDITY...As low as 20 percent.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. 
  Outdoor burning is not recommended.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions
are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible
Red Flag Warnings.

&&

$$
260 
WWUS83 KMPX 120311
RFWMPX

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
1011 PM CDT Sun May 11 2025

...CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS EXPECTED MONDAY...
...CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS POSSIBLE TUESDAY...

Our stretch of hot temperatures will continue on Monday, with the
limiting factor for fire weather being weaker winds than those
observed on Sunday. While we may not reach the typical 30mph wind
gust threshold for Red Flag conditions, fuels are incredibly dry
and temperatures will once again surge into the upper 80s to low
90s allowing RH to drop into the teens across Minnesota. Wisconsin
will have weaker winds and cooler temperatures, but will still
reach elevated conditions if not near-critical by the afternoon.

MNZ041>045-047>069-073>076-082-083-091-092-121130-
/O.EXP.KMPX.FW.W.0002.000000T0000Z-250512T0300Z/
/O.UPG.KMPX.FW.A.0004.250512T1700Z-250513T0200Z/
/O.NEW.KMPX.FW.W.0003.250512T1700Z-250513T0200Z/
Douglas-Todd-Morrison-Mille Lacs-Kanabec-Stevens-Pope-Stearns-
Benton-Sherburne-Isanti-Chisago-Lac Qui Parle-Swift-Chippewa-
Kandiyohi-Meeker-Wright-Hennepin-Anoka-Ramsey-Washington-
Yellow Medicine-Renville-McLeod-Sibley-Carver-Scott-Redwood-Brown-
Nicollet-Le Sueur-Watonwan-Blue Earth-Martin-Faribault-
1011 PM CDT Sun May 11 2025

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 9 PM CDT MONDAY FOR
GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR MUCH OF CENTRAL THROUGH
SOUTHERN MINNESOTA...

The National Weather Service in Twin Cities/Chanhassen has issued
a Red Flag Warning, which is in effect from noon to 9 PM CDT
Monday. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect. 

* WIND...South to southwest winds of 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to
  30 mph.

* HUMIDITY...As low as 15 percent.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly.
  Outdoor burning is not recommended.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

&&

$$

WIZ014-015-023-121130-
/O.EXP.KMPX.FW.W.0002.000000T0000Z-250512T0300Z/
/O.CON.KMPX.FW.A.0004.250512T1700Z-250513T0200Z/
Polk-Barron-St. Croix-
1011 PM CDT Sun May 11 2025

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MONDAY AFTERNOON
THROUGH MONDAY EVENING FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY
FOR PORTIONS OF WESTERN WISCONSIN...

* WIND...South to southwest winds of 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to
  25 mph. 

* HUMIDITY...As low as 15 percent.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly.
  Outdoor burning is not recommended.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions
are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible
Red Flag Warnings.

&&

$$

MNZ070-077-084-WIZ016-120415-
/O.EXP.KMPX.FW.W.0002.000000T0000Z-250512T0300Z/
Dakota-Rice-Waseca-Rusk-
1011 PM CDT Sun May 11 2025

...RED FLAG WARNING HAS EXPIRED FOR PORTIONS OF EAST CENTRAL
MINNESOTA AS TEMPERATURES FALL AND HUMIDITY INCREASES OVERNIGHT....

Conditions will continue to improve overnight as temperatures
drop, winds weaken, and relative humidity increases. Compared to
Sunday, winds will be limited despite another hot and dry day on
Monday.

$$

WIZ024-121130-
/O.CON.KMPX.FW.A.0004.250512T1700Z-250513T0200Z/
Pierce-
1011 PM CDT Sun May 11 2025

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MONDAY AFTERNOON
THROUGH MONDAY EVENING FOR PORTIONS OF WEST CENTRAL WISCONSIN...

* WIND...South to southwest winds of 10 to 15 mph with gusts up 
  to 25 mph. 

* HUMIDITY...As low as 20 percent.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. 
  Outdoor burning is not recommended.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions
are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible
Red Flag Warnings.

&&

$$

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this red flag warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Twin Cities, MN wrote its last area forecast discussion before this red flag warning went out at May 10, 12:07 PM CDT, 2 hours 17 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

  • Sunny, hot, and dry through the middle of next week. The pattern will support critical fire weather conditions Sunday-Tuesday.
  • Next round of precipitation arrives for the second half of the work week.
Area forecast discussion, May 10, 12:07 PM CDT, 2 hours 17 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
1207 PM CDT Sat May 10 2025

.KEY MESSAGES...

- Sunny, hot, and dry through the middle of next week. The pattern
  will support critical fire weather conditions Sunday-Tuesday.

- Next round of precipitation arrives for the second half of the
  work week.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 252 AM CDT Sat May 10 2025

TODAY/TONIGHT...Satellite reveals clear and quiet conditions
across the Upper Midwest early this morning. The cold front
that produced Friday's isolated showers continues to depart
south into Iowa, with surface winds turning northerly in the
wake of the frontal passage. Large scale subsidence will set the
stage for another sunny and dry day, however the advection of a
slightly cooler airmass will create a temperature gradient from
west to east this afternoon. Highs are forecast to reach the
low to mid 80s across far western Minnesota, though will
struggle to break out of the upper 70s across central/eastern
Minnesota and western Wisconsin. We'll run with another Special
Weather Statement for elevated fire weather conditions as
minimum RH's are forecast to fall between 15-25 percent this
afternoon. However, winds aim to remain light as they turn out
of the east after daybreak, which should work to mitigate a
greater threat level.

     CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS TO DEVELOP SUNDAY-
TUESDAY...

The expansion of an upper ridge over the northern CONUS will
open the door for a prolonged period of southwesterly flow
into the northern Plains/Upper Midwest. From a sensible weather
perspective, the coming days are going to feel like Summer: hot
temperatures (upper 80s/low 90s), lots of sunshine, and low
humidity. However, the tightening surface gradient will
introduce the additional variable of gusty winds. The
combination of gusty winds and low RH's will create a favorable
setup for rapid fire spread when paired with the vulnerable sate
of dry fuels across much of Minnesota. For now, we've opted to
keep the Fire Weather Watch in place for Sunday, though will
likely need to upgrade to Red Flag Warnings in forthcoming
shifts. HREF's composite RH/wind tool displays a 70-80% chance
of RH's below 25 percent in tandem with winds speeds greater
than 20 mph across western Minnesota Sunday afternoon. It's
likely that the coverage area is somewhat underdone given the
CAM ensemble's tendency to under-represent the degree of mixing
that will take shape. SPC has highlighted western Minnesota in
the new Day 2 Fire Weather Outlook. What is perhaps easier to
infer is that the conditions for rapid fire spread are more
likely across our Minnesota counties vs. our Wisconsin counties.
The reason for this is tied to the limited eastward expansion
of the warm nose/axis of southwesterly flow. As a result,
temperatures will run slightly cooler (low to mid 80s) in
Wisconsin. Additionally, the wind speeds will be lighter with
eastern extent, so Red Flag Warnings may not be needed in
western Wisconsin. Southwesterly flow will persist into mid-
week, so we'll likely be in a day by day evaluation of the fire
weather conditions and placement of headlines. A secondary
weather headline will be the potential for record setting warmth
Sunday afternoon. See the climate section below for more
information.

To summarize, a multi-day period of dangerous fire weather
conditions remains likely Sunday through Tuesday due to RH's as
low as 15 percent, sustained winds between 15-25 mph, and
gusts up to 35 mph. We encourage folks to stay tuned for local
information regarding burn bans and avoid activities that
involves open flames/sparks.

NEXT RAIN CHANCE...Very warm air sticks around into Wednesday,
though the warmth will be accompanied by increasing moisture
ahead of an incoming trough. Broad ascent east of the trough
will introduce the return of precipitation chances across the
Upper Midwest around the Thursday timeframe. The majority of
ensemble members continue to advertise wet weather, though the
magnitude of potential precipitation remains in flux at this
distance. In addition, minor severe probabilities are displayed
across the NCAR/CSU/NSSL ML suites, so that will be something to
keep an eye on once confidence in convective mode increases.
Finally, ensemble guidance has started to hint at a slower
departure of the upper-low that will produce Thursday's rain
chances. As such, it appears the that guidance suite is starting
to latch on to cooler temperatures in the extended period. The
NBM looks quite reasonable advertising a dip back into the 60s
for highs Friday through next weekend.

&&

.AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z SUNDAY/...
Issued at 1159 AM CDT Sat May 10 2025

Minimal concerns through early tomorrow morning. Cloud cover
has been more aggressive than expected across west/central
Minnesota, but VFR conditions will continue. Winds are in the
process of shifting from the east to the southeast and will
continue to go more southerly though the overnight hours. Winds
will be 10kts or less through today before increasing by
sunrise tomorrow morning. LLWS is still a concern for
KAXN/KRWF/KSTC early Sunday morning as a low level jet
increases. Gusts of 20-30kts are expected with the highest winds
for western Minnesota by late morning.

KMSP...No additional concerns.

/OUTLOOK FOR KMSP/
MON...VFR. Wind S 10-15G20-25kts.
TUE...VFR. Wind S 10-15G20-25kts.
WED...VFR. Wind SE 10-15G20-25kts.

&&

.CLIMATE...
Issued at 622 AM CDT Sat May 10 2025

Record high temperatures are possible on Sunday, May 11.

Site |Forecast| Record
------------------------

MSP  |   88   | 88 (1900)
STC  |   90   | 90 (1911)
EAU  |   82   | 89 (1922)

&&

.MPX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MN...Fire Weather Watch from Sunday morning through Sunday evening
     for Anoka-Benton-Blue Earth-Brown-Carver-Chippewa-Chisago-
     Douglas-Faribault-Hennepin-Isanti-Kanabec-Kandiyohi-Lac
     Qui Parle-Le Sueur-Martin-McLeod-Meeker-Mille Lacs-
     Morrison-Nicollet-Pope-Ramsey-Redwood-Renville-Scott-
     Sherburne-Sibley-Stearns-Stevens-Swift-Todd-Watonwan-
     Wright-Yellow Medicine.
WI...None.

&&

DISCUSSION...Strus
AVIATION...Dye
CLIMATE...Strus
Hazardous weather outlook, May 10, 3:15 AM CDT, 11 hours 9 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
315 AM CDT Sat May 10 2025

MNZ041>045-047>070-073>078-082>085-091>093-WIZ014>016-023>028-
110815-
Douglas-Todd-Morrison-Mille Lacs-Kanabec-Stevens-Pope-Stearns-
Benton-Sherburne-Isanti-Chisago-Lac Qui Parle-Swift-Chippewa-
Kandiyohi-Meeker-Wright-Hennepin-Anoka-Ramsey-Washington-
Yellow Medicine-Renville-McLeod-Sibley-Carver-Scott-Dakota-
Redwood-Brown-Nicollet-Le Sueur-Rice-Goodhue-Watonwan-Blue Earth-
Waseca-Steele-Martin-Faribault-Freeborn-Polk-Barron-Rusk-
St. Croix-Pierce-Dunn-Pepin-Eau Claire-
315 AM CDT Sat May 10 2025

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of central and
southern Minnesota, and west central Wisconsin.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight.

No hazardous weather is expected at this time.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday.

Hot, dry, and windy weather conditions will lead to increased
fire danger concerns Sunday through Tuesday.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SKYWARN spotter activation will not be needed.

The office that day

Everything else NWS Twin Cities, MN issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
May 10, 2:24 PM CDTFire Weather WatchMPXAnoka, Benton, Blue Earth, Brown, Carver, Chippewa and 30 more37 hr
May 10, 2:24 PM CDTFire Weather WatchMPXBarron, Polk, Rusk, Saint Croix12 hr

Nearby

Red Flag Warnings in Minnesota, 2025Red Flag Warnings in Wisconsin, 2025Every red flag warning in 2025

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.